Light Pollution

Light pollution is a growing problem. To avoid light pollution it is necessary to understand how it occurs.

This may be due to:

people's sleep being disturbed by the increasing number of lights

the excessive brightness and poor alignment of some domestic and commercial security lights and sports ground floodlights

worry about the brightening of the 'sky glow' over London and elsewhere, and detrimental effects on wildlife

concern about energy wasted by excessive lighting

A light fitting will deliver light where it is needed, but will potentially also give four areas of unwanted, and wasted, light:

spill light - falls outside the area where it is needed. It can be avoided by pointing the light in the right direction

upward light - this is wasted light shining above a light fitting. It is entirely avoidable by the correct use of the correct light fitting. Direct the light downwards wherever possible which can also reduce glare

upward reflected light - this is unavoidable and dependant on the reflections on the surfaces below the light fitting - dry tarmac will commonly reflect 7% and grass about 20-25%. This is another source of 'sky glow'. Remedies are to use only as much light on the surface as is really needed, and to try to select a surface which minimises reflections

direct glare - from seeing the bright filament of an unshielded light is troublesome and dangerous unshielded bright lighting. Direct glare is more wasted light and can be a major problem. It can be avoided in a properly designed scheme

Avoid causing light pollution

do not leave lights on when they are not needed and consider controlling lights with passive infrared detectors, ensuring that they are correctly aligned and installed. For a porch light that is going to be left on all night, a nine watt compact fluorescent lamp is usually adequate

Action against light pollution

If you are experiencing light pollution from your neighbours, try approaching the owner of the offending light, politely requesting:

re-angling or partially shading of the light

fitting a passive infrared sensor

using a lower power bulb

It might help if you can show the neighbour the effect of the light from your side of the fence. You can also politely suggest to the owner that they may be wasting money on excessive lighting.

Legal solutions

From 1 April 2006, light pollution was brought into the definition of a 'statutory nuisance', this is defined as "artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance". It constitutes a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (provision added by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).

Light generated at a variety of types of premises is exempt from this new law, as follows: airports/harbours/railways/tramways/bus premises and any associated facilities, public service vehicle operating centres, goods vehicle operating centres, lighthouses and prisons.

Also, a statutory defence of 'best practicable means' will be available to:

artificial light emitted from industrial, trade or business premises

artificial light emitted by lights used for the purpose only of illuminating an outdoor relevant sports facility

Planning legislation also covers the lighting of many of these facilities. In reality, therefore, the focus for these new provisions is that of domestic security lighting. It must be noted, however, that 'nuisance' is not the same as 'annoyance', and a strict legal definition of statutory nuisance would have to apply before any formal action could be taken.

Civil law - civil litigation involves suing the owner of the light. If the action is lost, the costs are paid by the complainant. There is no record of such a case being brought, and it is far from certain that the complainant would win. Legal advice should be sought before initiating these proceedings.